Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have grown in popularity over the years, and while they are certainly beneficial to those in need of a ride, when you’re involved in an accident with one, you may need to take legal action against them to obtain the compensation you need to recuperate.
However, bringing an accident claim against Uber or Lyft can be a challenge, which is why you’ll want a highly trained attorney to work on your case. Continue reading to learn more about when these corporations’ auto insurance should be compelled to settle your claim and what to do if the rideshare service can’t or won’t settle.
When Rideshare Auto Insurance Will Cover Your Costs
Whether you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident as a passenger or someone who simply came into contact with the rideshare service, when you suffer an injury, the liable party should be responsible for covering your damages. Uber and Lyft are both insured with million-dollar policies, but they only come into effect in very specific circumstances. These situations include:
- When the driver is in drive mode and awaiting a passenger
- After the driver picks up a passenger
- The duration of the trip
These are the only times that their auto insurance provider will pay out on your claim. With that in mind, it’s important to note that rideshare drivers are also required to carry personal auto insurance policies that are used to protect them both in the event that Uber’s or Lyft’s insurer won’t pay and when they are not in driver mode.
Your Options if Uber or Lyft Won’t Pay
In the event that the rideshare service is not legally obligated to cover the damages you sustained due to an accident that occurred on their watch, in many cases, your next best option will be to file a claim against the Uber or Lyft driver themselves—or another party that is liable for the cause of the accident.
You’ll more than likely start off by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. From there, we’ll negotiate until we are able to reach a fair and reasonable settlement offer. If the amount offered meets our needs, we will not need to move forward to court.
But if it doesn’t fully cover the losses you endured, then it may be well-advised to proceed with a civil lawsuit. In civil claims, you’ll be able to recover compensation for damages including:
- Lost quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Loss of companionship and love
- Emotional turmoil
- Loss of income
- Damage to earning capacity
Get in Touch with a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
For help pursuing a car accident claim against Uber, Lyft, or their affiliates, contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer at the Law Office of Braud & Gallagher. We are proud to offer our prospective clients a complimentary case review so we can learn more about the details of your case.
If you are interested in seizing this opportunity, give our office a call at 1-800-256-5674 or submit the online contact form provided at the bottom of this page to schedule your case review.